Ali-Frazier I: One Nation... Divisible (2000 TV Movie) User Reviews

One Helluva Documentary

[Sargebri · 24 March 2003]

This is one of the greatest documentaries I have ever seen. It perfectly discusses the events that led up to the first fight in the greatest rivalry in the history of boxing. The film also captures what the mood of the country at the time of the fight and how it was divided along racial, generational and socio-economic lines. The thing I really found fascinating was the fact that Ali would call Frazier an "Uncle Tom", due to the fact that Frazier was perceived as being the "good" black and Ali was perceived as being more militant. Frazier took that as a personal insult whereas Ali saw it as a way to promote the fight. Also, the coda at the end of the fight showing how even though the forces that Frazier allegedly represented (Nixon, conservatives and Frazier himself) wound up winning that night eventually wound up losing within a few years of that special night in March of 1971.

Why Is This Not Available For Purchase?

[devjf2000 · 10/10 · 8 January 2010]

This film has been used in college sociology class to teach about the 1960' and 70's cultural changes in America. But it was used from a recorded VHS tape. Now it is wearing out because it was used so much and I need a new one. This film is much more than a film about boxing. It is a film about the human condition, about America, about race, class, and privilege. Brings to mind the excellent film "A SOLDIERS STORY" directed by Norman Jewison and starring Denzel Washington. Was nominated for an Academy Award for 'Best Picture' in 1984.

In any case, where can I purchase this excellent documentary-- Ali-Frazier I: One Nation... Divisible (2000) ???

Or, is it ever shown on TV anymore? It was made by HBO.

Even wrote letters to HBO and got no where. Please help. Thank you.